There are many myths about our Thanksgiving holiday.
By Fariha T. Rahman
Leading up to the four day recess, of Thanksgiving Break, students are usually scrambling to finish projects or studying for multiple tests. And once the break does come, most of them have to experience one dreaded fact of life: that the amount of time one spends relaxing is inversely proportional to the amount of homework they receive.
I noticed that although people are thankful for the break, (See what I did there?) most people in Manhattan Center don’t really pay much attention to the holiday itself. It’s treated as an extended weekend, except for there being more food and more people. And lots of turkey.
“So…what are your plans on Thanksgiving?
I thought it would be fun to focus a bit on this odd holiday, and to capture different perspectives on it from fellow students around the school. It suddenly popped into my head to ask the people their thoughts about Thanksgiving. It’s definitely unexpected, but it’s absolutely necessary. *Cue heroic fanfare with warriors in the background* Alright, now, moving on to the responses.
Question 1: “Do you know who celebrated the first Thanksgiving? And why?”
“Native Americans… I think? And I’m not exactly sure why.” – Stephanie, 10th grade
“Uh… I’m assuming Americans? And for why, I have no idea.” – Mr. Benito, P.E. teacher
“Wasn’t it the pilgrims?” – Cristofer Lara, 11th grade
“Um, the pilgrims. They were grateful that the Native Americans were providing them with the resources they needed to survive.” – Kazi Islam, 11th grade
Okay, so most people retained some kind of an understanding of the official legend. After a successful harvest in 1621, the pilgrims reportedly did join together to have a feast in order to thank God, as well some Native American allies for teaching them better cultivation methods. But you may have to read newer books to discover the whole truth. (For example, Native American histories report a more troubling version of these events. However, after the U.S. Civil War, President Lincoln wanted to help heal his shattered nation by creating a new national holiday celebrating ideas of unity and thanksgiving. So he decided to combine a fall harvest festival with a popular American myth about the early Pilgrim settlers to invent an official “Thanksgiving Day.” )
Question 2: “What is your favorite food?”
“I’m not a picky eater, so I like a variety, like a buffet. And Thanksgiving is perfect for that. I don’t like really dry turkey, so it has to have a lot of gravy. It also has to be dark meat, and I really like the skin.” – Mr. Musialik, Assistant Principal
“On Thanksgiving, my favorite food has to be turkey.” – Jayda Vega, 11th grade
“Uh, well there’s turkey. Yeah, I like eating turkey. As long as there are no bones inside.” – Anova Sarkar, 11th grade.
(As predicted, there is an overwhelming liking for turkey!)
“My favorite food is spaghetti” – Maria, 12th grade.
“Arroz con habichuelas” – Jackie Namala, 11th grade.
“Yeah, mac and cheese.” – James, 10th grade
“Um… chicken, potatoes.” – Sabiha Tafader
Question 3: “Why is Thanksgiving important and/or what are you grateful for?”
“It’s a day for families to come together and celebrate while eating their own favorite cultural foods. We take the traditional thanksgiving image and make it our own.” – Ms. Lebron, Spanish teacher
“My dogs!” – Jordan Santiago, 11th grade
“Being alive, family, getting to live in a house and not being out in the cold. Also having an education” – Loren Baret, 11th grade
“This year I am especially grateful to be with my grandmother. Next week, she will be celebrating her 100th birthday. My family and I are pretty close and we’ve had a lot of fun reflecting over family pictures and stories from the last 100 years.” – Mr. Cohen, U.S. History teacher
“To be able to fly [an airplane]” – Mr. Hernandez, Physics teacher
It’s fascinating to see how Thanksgiving dinners vary for every family—especially since the “traditional” meal has been adapted to many cultures throughout the United States.
It was really enjoyable for my camera people and I to interview random students and staff, especially since they weren’t expecting it. With my colored pencil case as a fake microphone, I attempted to connect with my community and make them laugh during a time that usually seems like a “drag.”
Being a generally optimistic person, I can ramble on and on about what I am grateful for. But for the sake of this interview—well, these interviews, I would like to express my gratitude for every individual in our school. Thank you for caring about each other. Thank you for focusing on your academic career, or teaching, with utmost sincerity. Thank you for being busy—busy in building our community and helping the characters of our future.
*Cue the National Anthem with the American flag in the background. Oh, and pan to a majestic turkey or two*